ITV announce World Cup 2026 pundits with three ex-Man Utd players selected in huge line-up
Three former Manchester United players will be part of ITV's line-up at the World Cup. The broadcaster has unveiled a bumper team of pundits, presenters and commentators for the tournament in North America, which begins on June 11.It will include ex-United stars Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Juan Mata, along with an array of managers and former players. There will be two Arsenal legends in Patrick Vieira and Ian Wright, former Tottenham and Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou and ex-Rangers and Scotland hardman Duncan Ferguson.They will be joined by the manager of the US women's team, Emma Hayes, Lionesses legend Karen Carney, former Manchester City forward Bradley Wright-Phillips and regular Sky Sports pundit and ex-EFL star Jobi McAnuff.However, there is no place for Eni Aluko, who worked for ITV at the last World Cup, Euro 2024 and last year's women's Euros in Switzerland. Aluko subsequently complained that she was overlooked for the final between England and Spain, which Wright did work on.JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageShe had previously accused Wright of blocking opportunities for female pundits in women's football. There is also no place for Graeme Souness, Joe Cole, Nigel De Jong, Nadia Nadim, Hal Robson-Kanu, who worked for ITV at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.READ MORE: Gabby Logan responds to Gary Lineker's brutal taunts over BBC's World Cup policyREAD MORE: Scotland's 2026 World Cup squad confirmed as Steve Clarke's 26-man side namedCoverage will be anchored by presenters Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods and Semra Hunter. Commentary will be led by Sam Matterface, Jon Champion, Seb Hutchinson and Joe Speight, with co-commentary provided by Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, Andros Townsend and Lucy Ward. ITV's reporters on the ground will be Gabriel Clarke and Connie McLaughlin, while Christina Unkel will be the referee analyst.Away from the serious analysis, a "third eye on the tournament, examining all of the biggest World Cup social and cultural moments," will be provided by Adam Richman, who will be joined by celebrity guests.As ever, ITV will share coverage with the BBC, while both channels will air the final. ITV will show the tournament's first two matches, including the opener between co-hosts Mexico City and South Africa in Mexico City.They will also show England's first match against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17 (9pm BST) and the Three Lions' final group match against Panama on Saturday, June 27 (10pm BST). In between, ITV will show Scotland's middle group game against Morocco on Friday, June 19 (11pm BST).ITV will also air the first matches involving world champions Argentina, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. The network, which will show 29 group games in all, will broadcast live from New York City throughout the tournament.ITV director of sport Niall Sloane, said: "This is the biggest FIFA World Cup in history and we will be live from New York City for the duration of the tournament, bringing every key moment to life, free-to-air."Nothing unifies the UK audience more than a global sporting event and they don't come much bigger than this. Our broadcast line-up is second to none and our comprehensive coverage across ITV, ITVX, our World Cup 24/7 Channel, plus our digital platforms will ensure the ITV audience doesn't miss a second of action."Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Get Sky Glass Air from 15p per dayThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreSky has cut 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs until June 17, including the more budget-friendly Air model which now starts from £4.50 per month.
